Glasgow man running 100 miles to raise money for veterans

Matthew Law, 26, from the City's South Side, is doing a sponsored run as part of Operation Bletchley, a fundraising campaign by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity to get people to cover 50m or 100m by foot in July.

The security guard chose not only the 100m trek but to run it as well – despite the fact he is not an avid runner.

He is, however, an avid challenge-seeker. His charitable escapades include an MMA fight (which he won) for Cancer Research UK, a five-mile run in New York for the Marisa Fund (a paediatric cancer charity) and a “kickathon” for Sports Relief where he performed a karate kick for every pound raised.

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Through the years, Matthew has helped raise thousands of pounds for charities and he picks a different one every year.

Matthew at his MMA fight for Cancer Research UK

Matthew said: “I have chosen this charity because I feel as a country we let down the veterans that come home. These men and women have sacrificed their lives for our freedoms and rights.

“They never just put their life on the line, they also miss life’s moments like birthdays, anniversaries and the birth of children to do their duty. I think it is only correct that we support them now. 

“Right now, the fundraising is sitting at £180 and my target is £500. All the money will go to ABF who look after veterans that come home if they are injured and provide PTSD support as well as trying to keep them off the street.

“The money from the campaign has a couple of things it goes to such as £50 could help cover travel costs so a veteran can attend a job interview, £75 can go to installing a temporary wheelchair ramp, £250 can look after them in a care home and £1000 can provide alterations to their house if they are disabled.

“It is all about making veterans’ lives better when they come home.”

READ MORE: Charities benefit from cash boost thanks to Glasgow Credit Union

Steve Oatley, Head of National Events for ABF The Soldiers' Charity adds: “We are very grateful to Matthew for signing up to take on Operation Bletchley for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.  At a challenging time for charities, the money raised to support our Army family is more vital than ever.

“We have been delighted with the response to this year’s event with over 3,000 people across the country and as far-flung as Canada, Singapore and Australia taking part.

“Many of our events have been cancelled and people like Matthew signing up, taking on the challenge and raising these vital funds helps us continue to support soldiers, veterans and their families in need.”

You can find the link to donate to Matthew’s fundraising campaign and to keep up with his runs here.